U.S. patent number 5,626,545 [Application Number 08/574,814] was granted by the patent office on 1997-05-06 for exercise device.
Invention is credited to Catherine McWilliams, Geraldine Newman.
United States Patent |
5,626,545 |
Newman , et al. |
May 6, 1997 |
Exercise device
Abstract
A thigh and buttocks exercising device includes a pair of hook
shaped or curved clamp members terminating in linear inner legs
connected to respective knuckles of a torsion spring-loaded hinge
to bias the clamp members to a contracted position with their free
ends in relatively vertically offset overlapping positions. Each
clamp member is formed of a rigid metal tube preferably covered by
a soft plastic or elastomeric sheath. The biasing torsion spring
may terminate in tangentially projecting hook shaped cores of the
clamp members. In alternative constructions, the clamp members are
biased by resilient devices, such as a flexible-compressible
member, a compression spring, or an elastomeric cord adjustably
extending between the free ends of the clamp members.
Inventors: |
Newman; Geraldine (New York,
NY), McWilliams; Catherine (New York, NY) |
Family
ID: |
27371785 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/574,814 |
Filed: |
December 19, 1995 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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222681 |
Apr 5, 1994 |
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70907 |
Jun 4, 1993 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/127; 482/124;
482/126 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
21/0004 (20130101); A63B 21/00043 (20130101); A63B
21/0455 (20130101); A63B 21/0552 (20130101); A63B
23/03508 (20130101); A63B 23/0482 (20130101); A63B
23/0488 (20130101); A63B 21/00069 (20130101); A63B
21/028 (20130101); A63B 21/0421 (20130101); A63B
21/0428 (20130101); A63B 21/05 (20130101); A63B
21/0555 (20130101); A63B 21/0557 (20130101); A63B
2208/0204 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
21/045 (20060101); A63B 21/02 (20060101); A63B
23/04 (20060101); A63B 21/055 (20060101); A63B
21/05 (20060101); A63B 021/045 () |
Field of
Search: |
;482/121,122,124,126,127 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Reichard; Lynne A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Miskin; Howard C.
Parent Case Text
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/222,681 filed Apr. 4, 1994 now abandoned
which, in turn, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/070,907 filed Jun. 4, 1993, now abandoned.
Claims
What we claim is:
1. An exercising device comprising a pair of hook shaped thigh
engaging clamp members, means supporting said clamp members for
lying and swinging in parallel planes about an axis perpendicular
to said planes for relative movement between a closed contracted
condition and an open extended condition, said parallel planes
being mutually axially spaced, said clamp members having opposite
confronting inside concave faces and outer free end sections which
overlap when said clamp members are in said contracted condition,
and means biasing said clamp members to said contracted
condition.
2. An exercising device comprising a pair of hook shaped thigh
engaging clamp members, means supporting said clamp members for
lying and swinging in parallel planes about an axis perpendicular
to said planes for relative movement between a closed contracted
condition and an open extended condition, said clamp members having
opposite confronting inside concave faces and means biasing said
clamp members to said contracted condition, said clamp members
include inner end sections which terminate in tangentially
extending straight legs from said supporting means and which
diverge outwardly, said clamp member supporting means including a
hinge member means including a hinge member means swingably
connecting the inner sections of said legs, said hinge member
including a pair of end-to-end knuckles having axially aligned
axial bores and a pivot pin rotatably engaging said bores, said
knuckles include annular outer walls having an inner circular
opening and cylindrical walls projecting axially inwardly from the
inner and outer peripheral edges of said annular walls into mutual
end-to-end engagement, said walls delineating an annular axially
extending cavity, said biasing means including a helical torsion
spring housed in said cavity and terminating in outwardly radially
projecting opposite legs engaging respective of said knuckles.
3. The exercising device of claim 2 wherein an abutment is formed
in each end of said cavity proximate the outer end thereof, said
spring legs bearing on said abutments.
4. The exercising device of claim 3 wherein said clamp members are
formed of tubular rods and each of said knuckles including an
outwardly radially projecting stub engaging a respective clamp
member leg.
5. An exercising device comprising a pair of hook shaped thigh
engaging clamp members, means supporting said clamp members for
lying and swinging in parallel planes about an axis perpendicular
to said planes for relative movement between a closed contracted
condition and an open extended position, said clamp members having
opposite confronting inside concave faces, means biasing said clamp
members to said contracted condition, said clamp members being
relatively axially offset and having free end portions which
overlap in said contracted condition of said clamp member.
6. The combination of an exercising device and a mat wherein said
exercising device comprises a pair of hook shaped thigh engaging
clamp members means supporting said clamp members for lying and
swinging in parallel planes about an axis perpendicular to said
planes for relative movement between a closed contracted condition
and an open extended condition, said clamp members having opposite
confronting inside concave faces and means biasing said clamp
members to said contracted condition, said clamp members include
inner end sections which terminate in tangentially extending
straight legs from said supporting means and which diverge
outwardly, said clamp member supporting means includes a hinge
member means swingably connecting the inner sections of said legs,
said hinge member including a pair of end-to-end knuckles having
axially aligned axial bores and a pivot pin rotatably engaging said
bores, said mat having s plurality of foot sole representations on
a face thereof, said foot sole representations indicating the left
and right feet in pairs, each foot sole representation being shown
in different angular positions, the distance between the
representations of each pair of different amounts, a plurality of
said pairs of representations in which the distances between the
representations of each pair being of different amounts.
7. An exercising device comprising a pair of hook shaped thigh
engaging clamp members, means supporting said clamp members for
lying and swinging in parallel planes about an axis perpendicular
to said planes for relative movement between a closed contracted
condition and an open extended condition, said clamp members having
opposite confronting inside concave faces and means biasing said
clamp members to said contracted condition, and a mat having foot
sole representations on a face thereof, said foot representations
indicating the left and right feet in pairs, each foot sole
representation being shown in different angular positions.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to improvements in exercise
devices and it relates particularly to improved devices for
exercising the thighs and buttocks of a person.
Many types of devices and apparatus have been available or proposed
for exercising the thighs and buttocks of a person but these have
many shortcomings. They are either of no or limited effectiveness
and often complex and expensive, bulky and space consuming, and
generally unreliable, awkward and inconvenient to use and otherwise
leave much to be desired.
The present invention provides a safe, non-stressful exercise tool
for the lower back, gluteus maximus, medias and minimus and
thighs-inner and outer front (quadriceps) and backs
(hamstrings).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a principal object of the present invention to provide an
improved exercising device.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved
device for exercising the thighs and buttocks of a person.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an
improved compact and reliable thigh and buttocks exercising
device.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a device of
the above nature characterized by its ruggedness, simplicity in
construction and use, its low cost, its convenience and
effectiveness, and its high versatility and adaptability.
The above and other objects of the present invention will become
apparent from a reading of the following description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawing which illustrates
preferred embodiments thereof.
An exercising device in accordance with the present invention
includes a pair of hook thigh engaging clamp members which are
movable toward and from each other and means biasing the clamp
members toward each other with increasing force with the separation
of the clamp members.
In one form of the improved exercising device, each clamp member is
tubular and includes an outer thigh engaging curved hook section
and an inner linear leg, the concave faces of the hook sections
being mutually confronting. The clamp member tubes are formed
preferably of metal and covered with soft plastic or elastomeric
sheaths. The outer ends of the clamp legs are coupled to respective
knuckles of a hinge, the knuckles housing a helical torsion spring
terminating in radially projecting opposite legs which bear on
respective knuckles to bias them in a direction urging the clamp
members to a closed position with end portions thereof
overlapping.
In another embodiment of the present invention a helical torsion
spring terminates in tangentially extending hook shaped legs, the
spring being housed in complementary shells mounted on the legs to
enclose the spring. The hook shaped legs are each covered by an
elastomeric sponge sheath. Alternatively the legs are hollow and
rigid and sheathed in resilient sponge and hinged at their inner
ends and an elastomeric cord extends through the legs, and about
the hinge, their free ends projecting through the free ends of the
legs and being adjustably joined by a coupling member.
In an alternative structure a pair of spaced flexible resilient
sponge tubes are slidably mounted on an elastomeric cord whose free
end portions are adjustably coupled. A mat member is disclosed
having representations of foot soles in selected positions to
instruct the use of the improved exercise device.
The improved exercising devices are simple and rugged, are highly
reliable and maintained in a comfortable pre-applied position on
the person, are effective, and easy and convenient to use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 2 is a partially fragmented top plan view of the embodiment of
FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3--3 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 in a
contracted condition and as being applied to the thighs of a
user;
FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing the device expanded to
its open condition by the user's thighs;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 partially
broken away;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 8--8 in FIG.
6;
FIG. 9 is a partially fragmented plan view of a further embodiment
of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the exercising device
shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 11--11 of
FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the present
invention shown in an unstressed contracted condition;
FIG. 13 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 12 shown in a
stressed expanded condition and as being applied to a user's
thighs;
FIG. 14 is a foreshortened perspective view of a portion of the
exercising device shown in FIG. 12;
FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a foot position indicating mat
employed with any of the embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present
invention that employs an elastomeric member at one of its ends to
create resistance for exercising purposes;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view similar to the embodiment of FIG. 16
but carrying a padded foam jacket on one of its ends of its thigh
contacting clamp members and having a compression spring spanning
between its other end of its thigh contacting clamp members;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the
present invention that employs an elastomeric cord at one of its
ends of its thigh contacting clamp members;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of still yet another embodiment of an
exercising device of the present invention that employs both an
elastomeric cord and a flexible-compressible tubular member;
and
FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken along line 20--20 of FIG. 19.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1 to 5 thereof
which illustrate an embodiment of the present invention, the
reference numeral 10 generally designates the improved exercise
device shown as being applied to the thighs T of an exercising
person employing device 10. The exercise device 10 includes a pair
of thigh engageable hook or clamp members 11 swingably joined at
their inner ends by a spring-loaded hinge member 12 loaded to
resilient urge hook members 11 to a contracted condition, as shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2.
Each of the hook members 11 includes an outer curved hook section
13 terminating at its inner end in a longitudinally extending
linear leg 14. Each hook member 11 is formed of a rigid metal
tubular core section 16 open at its inner end and closed and
rounded at its outer end (as viewed in FIGS. 1-5) and covered by a
thick soft plastic or elastomeric sheath 17, the sheath 17
extending beyond the inner end of core member 16.
Hinge member 12 includes a pair of coaxial cylindrical knuckles 18
closed at their outer ends by annular walls 19 and provided with
coaxial end-to-end skirt walls 20 whose end edges are in mutual
slidable engagement. Projecting inwardly from the inner periphery
of each annular wall 19 is an axial tubular section 21 which
delineates with skirt walls 20 an axially extending annular cavity
22, the confronting outer and inside faces of each respective pair
of skirt wall 20 and tabular wall 22 being connected by a stop
defining short radial wall 23 joining a respective annular end wall
19. Outwardly, facing peripheral shoulders are formed on the inside
peripheral faces of tubular sections 21 and the axial bore
delineated by tubular wall 21 is rotatably engaged by a hinge pin
24 having enlarged end heads 26 bearing on the aforesaid peripheral
shoulders to releasably and rotatably interlock knuckles 18. The
open outer ends of tubular walls 22 are closed by respective plugs
27.
Housed in the annular cavity 22 and coaxial with an encircling
tubular walls 21 is a helical torsion spring 28 terminating at
opposite ends in radially offset longitudinally projecting end legs
29.
Each of the skirt walls 20 has integrally formed therewith an
outwardly radially projecting cylindrical coupling arm 30 having a
coaxial outer section 32 of reduced cross section delineated from
the arm inner section 33 by an annular shoulder. Arm outer section
32 telescopes the outer end of clamp member tubular core section 16
and is secured therein by a diametric pin 34 engaging diametrically
aligned openings in tubular core section 16 and coupling arm outer
section 32, the end of leg 16 abutting the aforesaid annular
shoulder.
The torsion spring 28 is so oriented and stressed that, in the
unused condition of exercise device 10, it biases the exercise
device to a closed contracted condition with the free ends of hook
section 13 overlapping and being axially relatively offset. The
opening circumscribed by the clamp members 11 is generally pear or
light bulb shaped when the clamp members 11 are in closed
contracted position, and generally heart shaped when clamp members
11 are in opening operating position, as shown in FIG. 5.
In the application and operation of exercise device 10, the clamp
members 11 are rotatably separated about hinge 12 against the
influence of torsion spring 28 to an open position, as shown in
FIG. 5 and slid forwardly over the thighs T in their contracted
condition and then released to permit the clamp members 11 to
contract and tightly engage the opposite outer faces of thighs T
and urge them together as shown in FIG. 4. The thighs T are then
spread against the contraction influence of hook sections 13 which
increases in its contraction pressure with the separation thereof
and the increased loading of torsion spring 28. The exercise is
continued by the successive spreading and contraction of thighs T
against the contraction influence of the clamp members 11 to
exercise the thighs T and buttocks in an optimum manner.
Although exercise device 10 is illustrated as being applied to a
person's thighs, it may be used to exercise other parts of the
body.
Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS.
6-8 of the drawings in which the exercise device is generally
designated by reference numeral 40 and includes a helical wire
torsion spring 41 with the opposite ends thereof having integrally
formed hook member defining curved thigh engaging clamp arms 42.
Each of arms 42 extends tangentially from opposite ends of spring
41 respectively converging outwardly and each lies in an axially
spaced plane which are approximately parallel spring 41. The faces
of arms 42 are concave and confront each other. Each face of arms
42 is preferably covered by a soft resilient compressible
elastomeric sponge sheath 43. The spring 41 swingably supports the
arms 42 and bias the arms 42 to a contracted condition with the
closed ends of sheaths 43 in mutual contact. The opening
circumscribed by clamp arms 42 in closed contracted position is
generally egg shaped, with the smaller end facing the helical
spring 41.
The spring 41 is enclosed in a protective housing 44 which is
formed of opposing cup shaped shells 46 having open end binders 47.
The binders of one shell 46 being of slightly less diameter than
and telescoping that of the other shell 46. Each shell 46 is
provided with a radially, outwardly projecting sleeve 48 which
firmly engages the inner end of a respective arm 42.
The application and operation of the improved exercise device 40
are similar to that of exercise device 10 earlier explained.
Referring now to FIG. 9-11 of the drawings which illustrate another
embodiment of the present invention which differs from those
earlier described primarily in that the clamp arms are biased to
their closed condition by an elastomeric cord instead of a helical
torsion spring. Specifically the modified exercising device 50 of
FIGS. 9-11 includes a pair of thigh engaging rigid tubular hook
shaped clamp members 51 and 52 supported for swinging in a common
or parallel planes by a hinge member 53. The clamp members 51 and
52 have confronting concave faces and are relatively swingable
between a contracted condition with their free ends proximately
spaced and an expanded condition with their free ends increasingly
separated.
Hinge member 53 includes a pair of axially spaced integrally joined
outer circular discs 54 rotatably sandwiching an inner disc 56,
discs 54 and 56 being rotatably joined by a pivot pin 57, a
peripheral guide groove 58 is formed in the face periphery of disc
56. A socket member 59 extends radially from and is integrally
formed with inner disc 56 and a socket member 60 is integrally
formed with and projects radially from the pair of discs 54 and 56,
the socket members having outwardly facing openings.
Each of the clamp arms 51 and 52 includes a rigid tubular plastic
lined metal core 61 having an internal plastic lining 63
terminating at its outer end in an annular lip 64 overlying the
outer end of each metal core 61. The inner end of each metal core
61 telescopes and is firmly secured in a respective socket member
59, 60. A soft compressible sponge sheath 65, formed of natural or
synthetic rubber, covers each of the tubular metal cores 61. An
elastomeric cord 66 preferably including a core of natural or
synthetic rubber covered by a braided fibrous tubular sheath. The
elastomeric cord 66 transverses the clamp arm tubular cores and its
medial portion extends along the peripheral groove 58. The outer
ends 67 of cord 66 project beyond the free ends of clamp arms 51,
52 and terminate in knobs 68. A loop shaped coupling member 69 has
a longitudinally extending opening 70 with longitudinally
converging confronting end faces delineating wedge shaped slots 71.
The free outer ends 67 of cord 66 are releasably and firmly engaged
in respective wedge slots 71 to permit the adjustment of the length
of the elastomeric cord 66 extending between clamp arms 51 and
52.
While metal cores were described, a hard rigid plastic shell can
also be used.
The operation and application of exercise device 50 are similar to
those of the earlier embodiments, elastomeric cord 66 functioning
to bias the clamp arms 51 and 52 to their contracted condition and
releasably coupling member 69 permitting the adjustment of such
bias and the release of the ends of the cords to facilitate the
application of the device 50 to the thighs of a user.
Referring now to FIGS. 12-14 which illustrate another of the
improved device 76, the modified exercise device 76 includes an
elastomeric cord 77 of the structure of cord 66 described earlier
and a coupling member 78 similar to coupling member 69 releasably
and firmly engaging the opposite tails or end sections of cord 77
to form cord 77 into a loop 79. Slidably engaging each opposite
side of loop 79 is an elongate tubular cushion member 80 formed of
an elastomeric compressible sponge material, such as an expanded or
foamed elastomeric plastic.
In using the device 76 the end sections of cord 77 is released by
coupling member 78 which is retracted to the knots formed at the
ends of cord 77 to fully expand the loop 79. The device is then
slid over the contracted thighs of the user and the coupling member
78 is advanced to tighten loop 79 and the ends of the looped are
then wedge engaged by coupling member 78.
A foot positioning mat 85 as shown in FIG. 15 may be used with any
of the exercise devices described herein. The mat 85 has imprinted
on its exposed or top face 86, the representations of the left and
right foot soles of a user shown in different positions attendant
to the exercise procedure. The represented pair of left and right
soles of the user or exerciser is shown in a contracted condition,
for example with the heels spaced apart 3 inches and in a spread
condition with the distance between the heel representations in the
contracted and spread condition being for example, 2 inches.
Additionally, the feet may be turned about the respective heels
between forwardly directed positions and outwardly turned
positions. The changes in the spacing between the feet and their
turn angles are effected while under the influence of any exercise
device of the present invention having additional embodiments shown
in FIGS. 16-20.
Referring now to FIGS. 16-18 of the drawings, which illustrate
other embodiments of exercising devices of the present invention
that differ from those earlier described primarily in that the
thigh engaging clamp members of FIGS. 16-18 are biased in a closed
condition and retarded from obtaining their opened position, by
selectable resilient members affixed at one end of the thigh
engaging clamp members. A specific embodiment of these additional
embodiments may be described with reference to FIG. 16 that
illustrates an exercising device 88 having a shape somewhat like a
pair of pliers.
Exercising device 88 comprises first and second hook shaped thigh
engaging clamp members 90 and 92, respectively. The first clamp
member 90 has first and second ends 94 and 96 respectively, whereas
the second clamp member 92 has first and second ends 98 and 100
respectively. The exercising device 88 has means 102 for supporting
the first and second clamp members 90 and 92 for lying and swinging
in parallel planes about an axis perpendicular to the planes in a
manner similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 1-6. The
direction of movement of the first and second clamp members 90 and
92 is indicated by directional arrows 104, 106, 108 and 110. The
first and second clamp members 90 and 92 move, relative to the
plane between a closed condition (indicated by the solid portions
94, 96, 98 and 100) and an open condition (indicated by the phantom
portions 94A, 96A, 98A and 100A). The means 102 is preferably a pin
having a diameter selected to be inserted into diametrically
aligned openings (not shown) in the first and second clamp members
90 and 92. Preferably the clamp members 90 and 92 have
complementary tapered portions 112 and 114 located in the general
region of the pin 102 to thereby allow the first and second clamp
members 90 and 92 to more readily move pass each other, when
swinging or pivoting about pin 102.
The exercising device 88 further comprises biasing or compressable
means 116 rigidly affixed within cups 118 and 120 which are
attached to the second end 96 and 100 of the first and second clamp
members 90 and 92 respectively. Means 116 may have a cylindirical
form and be comprised of a resilient sponge-like or elastimeric
material. The means 116 is dimensioned to have a length so as to
span between the second ends 96 and 100 of the first and second
clamp members 90 and 92 respectively and to have a resilient
compressible characteristic so as to exert an outward force (as
viewed in FIG. 16) on each of the second ends 96 and 100 as the
corresponding first ends 94 and 98 of the first and second clamp
members 90 and 92 are urged outwardly. Compressible means 116 can
be removably detached to cups 118 and 120 so as to change the
density and compressibility so as to allow for different degrees of
expansion of arms 94 and 98.
A further exercising device 122 having many of the features of
exercising device 88, as indicated by identical reference numbers
therebetween, may be further described with reference to FIG.
17.
The exercising device 122 of FIG. 17 is different from the
exercising device 88 of FIG. 16, in that it includes soft
elastomeric compressible sheaths 124 and 126 respectively covering
at least a portion of the first ends 94 and 98 (not shown in FIG.
17) of the first and second clamp members 90 and 92 respectively.
Further, the exercising device 122 utilizes a compressible spring
128, rather than the resilient member 116 of the device 88 of FIG.
16.
While FIG. 16 does not show compressible sheaths covering a portion
of the first ends 94 and 98, they can be added for more comfort to
the user.
The compressible spring 128 is dimensioned so as to have an overall
length to span between the second ends 96 and 100 of the first and
second clamp members 90 and 92, respectively, and a spring constant
characteristic so as to exert an outward force (as viewed in FIG.
17) on each of the second ends 96 and 100 so that the first ends 94
and 98 (not shown) of the first and second clamp members 92 and 94
are biased to their contracted or closed condition. Further, the
spring constant of the compression spring 128 is selected so as to
exert reactive forces on the second ends 96 and 100 as the first
ends 94 and 98 of the clamp members 90 and 92 move outward as
indicated in FIG. 17 by directional arrows 104 and 106. The outward
movement of the first ends 94 and 98 of clamp members 90 and 92
creates a compression force on compression spring 128. The spring
constant of compression spring 128 is also selected to provide a
restoring force, after the removal of the compression force created
by the movement of clamp members 90 and 92, so that the first ends
94 and 98 of the first and second clamp members 90 and 92 are
restored to their contracted condition. A further exercising device
130 having many of the same features of exercising devices 122 and
88, as indicated by the same reference numbers therebetween, may be
further described with reference to FIG. 18.
The exercising device 130 differs from exercising devices 88 and
122 in that its first and second clamp members 90 and 92 have
complementary tapered portions 132 and 134, respectively, located
in the general region of the pin 102. The tapered portions 132 and
134 have a shape different from that of the tapered portions 112
and 114 of exercising devices 88 and 122, but accomplish the same
function in allowing the first and second clamp members 90 and 92
to more readily move pass each other when the first and second
clamp members 90 and 92 are swinging or pivoting about pin 102.
Further, the second ends 96 and 100 of the first and second clamp
members 90 and 92, respectively, preferably have openings 136 and
138 respectively that accommodate a biasing means 140 of FIG. 18
comprised of an elastomeric cord having similar characteristics to
elastomeric cord 66 previously described with reference to FIG.
9.
The elastomeric cord 140 has opposite ends 142 and 144 that are
respectively inserted through openings 136 and 138. The end 142 has
a knot 146 therein that prevents the passage of the end 142 through
opening 136, whereas the end 144 has a knot 148 therein that
prevents the passage of the end 144 through opening 138. The
elastomeric cord 140 is dimensioned so as to have a length that
somewhat snugly spans between the second ends 96 and 100 of first
and second clamp members 90 and 92 respectively. Further, the
elastomeric cord 140 is dimensioned to have a characteristic which
provides an inwardly directed (as viewed in FIG. 18) force on each
of the ends 96 and 100 so as to offer a resistance to retard the
first ends 94 and 98 of the first and second clamp members 90 and
92 from obtaining their open condition during the exercising
routines by a user.
A further difference between the embodiment 130 of FIG. 18 and
those embodiments of FIGS. 16 and 17, is that when the first and
second clamp members 90 and 92 of the embodiment 130 seek their
open condition, the second end portions 96 and 100, as indicated by
their phantom representations of 96A and 100A respectively, move in
directions 150 and 152, respectively, which are opposite to the
corresponding directions 108 and 110 of FIGS. 16 and 17. The
opposite directions 150 and 152 of movement are created because the
second ends 96 and 100 are allowed to be separated from each other,
until the elastomeric cord 140 provides a force that retards such
separation. The elastomeric cord 140 also provides a force to
restore the second ends 96 and 100 from the location of their
phantom representations (96A and 100A) to the location of their
solid representations (96 and 100), when the outward force created
during exercising by a user is removed from the first ends 94 and
98 of the first and second thigh engaging clamp members 90 and
92.
A soft cover, not shown may be used to cover the compressible means
116 of FIG. 16 or the springs 128 and cord 140 of FIGS. 17 and 18
respectively.
The application and operation of the exercise devices 130 of FIG.
18, exercising device 122 of FIG. 17, and exercising device 88 of
FIG. 16 are similar to that of the exercising devices earlier
explained with reference to FIGS. 1-8.
More particularly, elastomeric member 116 of exercise device 88
provides a resistance force to retard the movement of the first and
second clamp members 90 and 92 from their contracted to their
opened conditions. This resistance force is created when the
exercising device 88 is used to exercise the thighs and buttocks of
a person in a manner already described with reference to FIGS. 1-8.
Similarly, the compression spring 128 of the exercising device 122
creates a resistance to act against the first and second clamp
members 90 and 92 from being moved from their contracted condition
to their open condition. Such movement occurs during exercising
allowing the person to gain the benefits of the present invention.
Similarly, the elastomeric cord 140 of the device 130 provides the
resistance force to act against the movement of the first and
second clamp members 90 and 92 from their contracted condition to
their open condition.
Another exercising device 154 of the present invention may be
described with reference to FIG. 19 shown partially in section. The
exercising device 154 comprises first and second thigh engaging
clamp members 156 and 158. The clamp members 156 and 158 comprise a
tubular self supporting member 160 covered by sheath portions 162
and 164 each comprising an elastomeric compressible material 166.
Elastomeric compressible sheath members 162 and 164 defines
diametrically opposed portions, wherein one opposite portion 162
has first and second ends 168 and 170, respectively, and the other
opposite portion 164 has first and second ends 172 and 174,
respectively. The first end 168 of opposite portion 162 corresponds
to a first end 176 of the tubular member 169, whereas the first end
172 of opposite portion 164 corresponds to a second end 178 of the
tubular member 160.
While the shape of clamp members 156 and 158 are more curved than
the clamp members of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-18, claim
members 156 and 138 may be shaped similar to that shown in FIGS.
1-18 with the flexible rear section such as the bellows portion
replacing the pivot.
The tubular member 160 has a flexible portion 180 comprised of
bellows 182 that expand and contract in response to the presence
and then absence of a stretching force. The flexible portion 180 is
selected to have a length which spans between the second ends 170
and 174 of the diametrically opposed portions 162 and 164,
respectively.
The exercising device 154 further comprises a elastomeric cord 184
dimensioned so as to have a length that completely occupies the
tubular member 160 and also that includes end portions 186 and 188
that exit from and that span between the first and second ends 176
and 178 of the tubular member. The end portions 186 and 188 of the
elastomeric cord 184 also have ends 190 and 192 that are releasably
joined by any convenient closure means such as a knot 194 or loop
shaped coupling member illustrated in FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. 19.
The arrangement of the elastomeric cord 184 may be further
described with reference to FIG. 20, which is a cross-sectional
view taken along line 20--20 of FIG. 19.
As seen in FIG. 20, the elastomeric cord 184 is housed within the
tubular member 160 which, in turn, carries the elastomeric
compressible material 166.
In operation, the flexible portion 180, comprised of the bellows
182 acts in a manner similar to a door return spring. More
particularly, the flexible portion 180 of the tubular member 160
becomes stretched as the thigh engaging clamp members 156 and 158
are moved apart from each other by the movement of the thighs,
occurring during exercising, but after the stretching no longer
exists as also occurring during the exercising routine, the
flexible portion 180 begins to contract, in a manner similar to a
door return spring, so that the exercising device 154 is returned
to its non-expanded shape, shown in FIG. 19.
It should now be appreciated that the practice of the present
invention provides various embodiments of exercising device all of
which may be advantageously used for the exercise of the thighs and
buttocks of a person. Further, the principles of the present
invention also apply to the exercising of other portions of the
body of a person. Furthermore, it should be recognized that each of
the devices hereinbefore described is of a nature that is
characterized by its ruggedness, simplicity in construction and its
use, its low cost, and its convenience and effectiveness, while
also having high versatility and adaptability.
While there has been described and illustrated preferred
embodiments of the present invention, it is apparent that numerous
alterations, omissions, and additions may be made without departing
from the spirit thereof.
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